If you caught any coverage of the games in Rio, you probably saw a few clips of what the elite athletes do after their medal-contending performances. High-calorie diets, hot tubs, and massages are common pieces of the conditioning regimen – and each task serves two purposes: body recovery, and preparation for the next event.
While we can’t all eat
Michael Phelps’ 12,000 calorie-per-day diet, or jump into our own hot tub, everyday athletes can enjoy the benefits of massage therapy right at home.
Massage chairs come in a variety of styles and sizes, to fit different bodies and budgets, and they offer a host of benefits for athletes of all levels.
Once you understand the benefits of massage therapy, it’s easy to see why top athletes around the world incorporate massages into their routine, to stay at the top of their game. Here are some of the main benefits you can access through regular use of a massage chair:
Increased Circulation
Whether you got injured on the field, or just feel sore after an intense workout, massage chairs
speed up recovery time, by increasing blood flow to the areas that need it. That accelerated oxygen and nutrient replenishment to cells helps your body feel and perform better, on a faster timeline. Massage chairs can also keep injury at bay, by helping your cells regenerate more quickly.
Flexibility
Limber, flexible athletes are less likely to get hurt – think about the branch that bends and sways in a storm, as opposed to the brittle branch that snaps. When muscles and joints are sore and stiff, they don’t perform optimally and this makes them more susceptible to ripping, tearing, or pulling. A massage chair loosens up the areas damaged by physical activity, to get them back in tip-top shape before the next workout. Consistent use of massage chairs leads to better performance, as athletes increase their muscle flexibility.
Toxin Release
The sweat produced when you work out is one of your body’s methods for getting rid of dangerous toxins. A massage chair maximizes those effects, by boosting lymph system health – which protects the body from invading toxins. By stimulating muscles, a massage helps flush those toxins from your body, boosting your body’s immunity and speeding up your muscle’s healing after a tough workout.
Muscle Targeting
Massage chairs come with several options that can target certain areas of your body, for a more intense massage. If your shoulders need a little extra love, you can give them a deep-tissue massage that lasts as long as you want, with just the push of a button – no appointment necessary. This convenience is especially helpful for athletes, who often need to strengthen or soothe specific muscles after a workout.
Skin Improvement
Between the sun and sweat, an athlete’s skin takes a beating during workouts. During a game, athletes are often out in the sun for hours at a time; and even with sunscreen, those ultraviolet rays have a strong effect. The heat of those rays, combined with intense physical activity, leads to a lot of salty sweat through your pores. Massage therapy can actually improve the health of your body’s largest organ – your skin – through increased circulation. The influx of oxygen to your cells helps to regenerate new ones throughout your body; sending repair and relief to your skin cells.
Pain Relief
There’s a scientific reason a good massage leaves you feeling so happy – endorphins. Massage therapy helps release the natural “happy” hormones; hormones that not only make you emotionally happy, but also ease soreness and tired muscles. Over the counter medication may feel effective, but it only masks the symptoms of common pains. Massage therapy actually
gets to the source of the problem, for optimal healing.
Relaxation
We don’t have to convince you that training is hard work. In addition to physical fatigue, athletic training can take a mental toll, too. Athletes have to consciously
set aside time to relax their muscles and minds; and a massage chair is a convenient way to accomplish this. Many massage chair models come with MP3 or video options, and some even have heat features that elevate the effects of the massage. It’s important to keep your mind clear, and your emotions balanced, so that when you step onto the field, you can keep your head in the game.
Caring For Your Muscles Post-Workout
Exercise is good for you – but the way you care for your body in between workouts determines your ultimate athletic achievements. Investing in a massage chair is a convenient and comprehensive way to take advantage of benefits like muscle repair, increased blood flow, heightened relaxation, and even strong immunity. Once you start giving your muscles the care they need in between each training session, you’ll notice the positive difference in your workouts and performance.
